The Malaysian Insider – 3 hours agoRELATED CONTENT
- Use Federal Court to settle interfaith custody cases, says Najib
Putrajaya’s silence on interfaith custody cases has officially been broken as the prime minister today urged parents to use the legal process when civil court verdicts differed from those of the shariah court.
Referring to the custody battles involving S. Deepa in Seremban and M. Indira Gandhi in Ipoh, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was quoted by The Star Online as saying that both sides could appeal to the Federal Court.
"They can appeal to the Federal Court. Since this matter has attracted the attention of the public, the government believes the court will give priority to these cases," Najib said.
"The Attorney-General (A-G) will discuss with the families involved regarding this matter and I hope everyone will respect whatever decision is made by the court."
The Star Online reported that Najib also held discussions with the A-G and several relevant ministers.
“Various parties have voiced their opinions regarding these cases. The government is worried over the fate and welfare of the children involved if the cases dragged on,” Najib said.
In Deepa's case, the Appeals Court last month dismissed the application of Muslim convert N. Viran (Izwan Abdullah) to set aside the Seremban High Court decision giving her custody of her two children. The Shariah Court, however, had granted Izwan custody of the children.
As for Indira, she was granted an order by Ipoh High Court order early this year to cite her former husband K. Patmanathan, or Muhammad Ridzuan Abdullah, for contempt of court after he failed to hand over their youngest child, Prasana Diksa, 6.
The order was made according to the High Court decision on March 11, 2010. The Ipoh Shariah High Court in April 2009 gave custody of their three children to their father. – June 12, 2014.
